RCPC Greatest Hit from Mary Jo Shannon in 2002
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
The first lesson in Alleluia, the children’s worship program, is entitled “The Light.” Lighting the Christ candle, the leader says, “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’” Then as the little ones gaze in silent wonder at the lovely flame, the leader continues, “We get our light from the light.” She holds a short candle to the flame and as it ignites, says, “This is your light, John.” One at a time the candles are lit, until a candle is lighted for each child and the leader – a circle of growing candles around the central Christ candle, the source of it all. The light in the room has grown, yet the Christ candle’s light is the same.
Christ also said, “You are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14) We get our light from Him, and our purpose is to serve as a light to the world.
Many years ago, after Holy Communion outdoors, closing an inspiring retreat at Massanetta, each participant lit a candle and set it afloat on the lake. Watching the many little flames bobbing on the water inspired me to write the following prayer.
O Lord,
Ignite my soul with you love
and launch me into the darkness.
Keep me afloat. When I drift away on my own,
Blow me gently back on course,
Until my feeble flame unites with others like my own.
Then in the darkness, one light shall shine.
On the shore, the curious will watch and wonder
“What’s happening?”
But here on the water, infinite reflections dance with joy.
Lord, Keep me aflame. Amen.